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Whether you started weeks early or still have a few left on your list, the holiday shopping season is quickly coming to a close. Though shopping locally is important to keep businesses here, internet shopping, economic uncertainty and the weather can impact people’s spending behaviors. Tom Butler of Flying Eagle Gallery said the recent Shop Small Saturday was the best that he’s seen and he’s proud how many local folks came out. He further added he saw many people in the gallery that he’s never s...

The current plans for the new Wyoming Dinosaur Center include features such as a kids area, theater, restaurant and a viewing platform. Construction of the new facility at the business park south of town is expected to take about two years, with initial ground breaking in the spring of 2017....
With Christmas Day, Dec. 25 falling on Sunday this year, offices of the Town of Thermopolis, Hot Springs County and the H.O.P.E. Agency will be closed Friday, Dec. 23 thorough Monday, Dec. 26. After hours help will still be available through the H.O.P.E. Agency by calling 864-4673. The U.S. Post Office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26, as well as the Department of Family Services and all four banks in town. The Independent Record office will be closing at 1 p.m. on Friday and will be closed through Monday, Dec. 26. Our office will reopen on...

During the Hot Springs Travel and Tourism meeting, the board visited with guest Durward Jones regarding a 30-second commercial spot and a three- to five-minute video to promote Thermopolis. At the last meeting, the board agreed to enter a contract, not to exceed $4,500, with Jones for the project. Jones attended the meeting to get an idea of the board’s desired vision for the project. At the previous meeting, there was some discussion about filming various events through the year. Jones said t...

Long-time County Commissioner Brad Basse had his final meeting on Tuesday after a farewell party at the County Annex. Above, Basse receives a plaque commemorating his years of service from Chairman John Lumley and Commissioner Tom Ryan...

by Lara Love The crash of a small aircraft in northern Wyoming claimed the life of Thermopolis pilot Grant Belden, 34, Wednesday, Dec. 7. Belden was a pilot and wildlife specialist employed through the State of Wyoming Wildlife Services. They operate under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Passenger, Miles Hausner, 56, of Worland was injured in the crash and transported to Billings. The two men left the Worlan... Full story

by Mark Dykes A Friday procedural issue in a case against Justin Spence means a trial that has already seen a couple delays will again be rescheduled for early 2017. Spence is on trial for incest, a felony charge that alleges in July of 2014 he molested a juvenile female. As proceedings were set to get underway Friday morning, Judge Robert Skar thanked the jury for their service and discharged them. Jury selection in the trial had gone beyond a full business day Wednesday. Following opening...

by Cindy Glasson A settlement has finally been made between Sinclair Refining and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in regards to the removal of asbestos at the former Empire Oil Refinery site. In 1974, the refinery was razed and much of the equipment sold to various other oil refining entities, including Little America, Sinclair’s predecessor. An assessment of the property by the EPA in 2011 identified a significant amount of asbestos at the site, contaminating the ground surface. T...

by Mark Dykes The annual Tour of Homes is Monday, Dec. 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year's tour includes stops at the homes of: Hope and Tyler Mead, Dale and Ciley Andreen, Stephanie and Josh Conrad, Lily Hayes, Jason and Stephanie Owens, and Dan and Margaret Stansill. Judy Carswell, with People for People, said residents participating on the tour go above and beyond their normal decorating, to make it a real treat for people. Tickets can be purchased from local businesses for $6 each. The... Full story

By Cindy Glasson In true “Publisher’s Clearinghouse” style, Thermopolis Middle School science teacher, Tom Olsen was named Bobcat Champion for Children for December. The Champion for Children program is replacing the Teacher of the Month award that has been in place for several years. With the new program, a committee consisting of past District Teachers of the Year and parents receive nominations from the principals at all three schools. The committee then researches the nominations by visiting...

by Mark Dykes When the flakes fall, we’ve got crews from the Town of Thermopolis and the Wyoming Department of Transportation out there making sure our streets and highways stay safe. But just as important is citizens’ diligence in making sure their sidewalks and drives are also clear of the snow. Mayor’s Assistant Fred Crosby said according to Ordinance 7-513 of the Town Code, people must remove snow from their sidewalks within 72 of each snowfall. Not doing so could mean a fine of up to $750....
Several openings are coming up on various county boards for the coming year, a perfect opportunity to find your passion and let your voice be heard. If you’re interested in the goings-on at the Hot Springs County Fairgrounds, there is a single opening for a five-year term on the fair board. There are four, three-year terms coming open on the Natural Resources Planning Committee, which will begin in January. Sportsmen are encouraged to put in for a single, three-year appointment to the Predatory Animal Control Board. Also on the list of o...

by Mark Dykes Back in January, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center took a big step in terms of relocating and renovating the current facility, purchasing the business park south of town. Executive Director Angie Guyon said the process is now in the architectural phase. The center recently switched to a non-profit entity, allowing them to have a fundraising campaign to help build the new facility south of town. Guyon said they are getting all of the plans and design together, noting they are shooting... Full story

by Mark Dykes Though our main tourist season is still about five months away, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce is working to ensure those visiting will have maps that show them the businesses and sites of the town and county. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Meri Ann Rush recently presented to the board a rough example of what the maps will look like. Each will be on a double-sided 12” by 18” sheet of paper, with Thermopolis on one side and Hot Springs County on the oth...

by Mark Dykes Thursday evening during the regular meeting, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce reviewed the quarterly financial report. Chamber Executive Director Meri Ann Rush noted there were some minor discrepancies between what she reported to the board at the end of September — the cutoff date for the audit — and the official report from the accountant. Among those discrepancies was for $100 in regard to the Friends of Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock. Rush explained in...
Wyoming Parks and Historic Sites is gearing up for their Annual Bison Sale, giving you the opportunity to own one of these amazing animals. The animals will come from Hot Springs State Park and Bear River State Park with minimum bids for 2016 calves starting at $1,800 and 2015 yearlings starting at $2,000. Three heifer calves will be available from Bear River as well as two heifer calves from Hot Springs State Park. Two bull calves from Hot Springs State Park and one from Bear River will be available along with one yearling bull from Hot...
If you own large or small acreage on Owl Creek, lower Buffalo Creek or Kirby Creek, you may be eligible for small waters funding assistance through the Level I Study with the Wyoming Water Development Commission. There are numerous programs run by various agencies and organizations that are potential sources of assistance to water users such as the Conservation District, Ducks Unlimited, the Extension Service and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The assistance is to give incentive to land owners in those areas to create a well...

Two local artists will be featured in the 2017 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition and Sale at the Wyoming State Museum beginning in January. Seventy works of art from 60 Wyoming artists will be featured in the show, including local photographers Jeb Schenck and Debbie Stroppel. A Purchase Award Reception is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5 – 7 p.m. where artwork included in the show will be available for purchase by the public. The juried exhibition, now in its 17th year, was established u... Full story

The Bureau of Land Management Worland Field Office has issued a decision authorizing the expansion of a bentonite mining project in Hot Springs County. Wyo-Ben, Inc. plans to extend bentonite mining operations and concurrent reclamation of their 108T project located approximately 5 miles northwest of Thermopolis. The mine plan is a progression of the existing 108T project, extending onto adjacent public lands totaling 376 acres. The expected life of mine and concurrent reclamation is 15 years.... Full story

According to an order filed Nov. 18, Ninth District Court Judge Norman E. Young denied a motion to dismiss in the case of Campbell vs. Tri-County Telephone Association. The motion to dismiss was filed by TCT March 1. Joe and Barbara Campbell, representing themselves and similar persons, filed the original suit against the company on Dec. 28, 2015. Among the defendants are TCT CEO Chris Davidson, CFO Steve Harper, and former board members Dalin Winters, Clifford Alexander, J.O. Sutherland,...

Thermopolis volunteer firemen work to get a life jacket and rescue rope to an unidentified man, above, around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. For unknown reasons, he and his vehicle ended up in the Bighorn River at the Eighth Street bridge. Search and Rescue personnel, along with town crew members, assisted firemen in rescuing the man from his vehicle. Specialty Towing recovered the vehicle from the river....

The Hot Springs County Commissioners covered a wide variety of subjects during their meeting on Tuesday, from grizzly delisting to upcoming grants. Emergency Management Director Bill Gordon told the commissioners the latest round of Homeland Security grants have been announced and the county has until April 1, 2017 to come up with a project or projects to apply for. The monies will not actually be available until Sept. 1, 2017, but the county can apply for up to three grants during this...

Tuesday evening, the Thermopolis Town Council approved the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, presented by Michael Wright of Koerwitz, Michel, Wright and Associates. Wright said the financial statements are in compliance, and there are no issues or adjustments. He further noted any material compliance issues must be tested, and any noncompliance must be reported. With regard to the town audit, there is no noncompliance to report. In terms of deficiencies, Wright pointed out there...

Law enforcement, along with fire and emergency services responded to an accident Monday just before 5 p.m. on Owl Creek Road. A southbound truck driven by Jay Brown was travelling too fast and ran a stop sign, striking an eastbound hatchback sedan driven by Deana Sanchez, who was transported from the scene. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has taken over the investigation, and Brown was arrested by the BIA agent at the scene for alleged driving under the influence....

It’s the same location and the same friendly faces, but the Front Porch has made a big change. If you’re looking for a delicious change of pace, Rossa Italian and American Bistro is the place for you. A new menu filled with Italian specialties including bruschetta, calamari and fried ravioli on their appetizer menu to shrimp fettuccini Alfredo, Gnocchi with Italian sausage and vodka sauce, Pestos, rigatonis and grinder sandwiches for your main course. Owner James Raymond said there were a multit...